Blessed with year round sunshine, Tenerife, just off Africa's west coast is the home of golden and charcoal grey beaches, striking volcanic landscapes and expansive green countryside. With its picturesque mountain villages, pretty coastal towns and popular seaside resorts, tourists flock in droves year on year to an island with fantastic facilities that is within easy reach thanks to flights that take little more than four hours from nearly every UK airport. Animated, cosmopolitan and vibrant Tenerife is a firm favourite with those seeking winter or summer sun.
Clubbers, families and couples will find there's something for everyone in Tenerife…
Tenerife is one of the most energetic Canary Islands with a bustling nightlife and a cosmopolitan vibe making it ideal for all travellers though there are a number of low-key retreats that prove popular with families and couples. The liveliest resorts have a reputation for their party atmosphere with entertainment centred around a host of bars, clubs, pubs and a superb choice of restaurants. However, there are quieter areas to discover, many of which have an elegant setting and a cultural twist and it is important to choose your resort carefully on this island.
With a choice of volcanic and golden beaches, a marina, excellent watersports and a seafront promenade, Playa de las Americas is a firm UK favourite. By night the resort bursts into life with Veronica's Strip, the most famous bar and clubbing area, housing popular establishments such as Bobby's and Metropolis, which has two huge dance floors - one for Latin salsa, and the other for English dance music, while Geminis and Chaplins are two of the trendiest gay bars on the island. The Safari Commercial Centre, home of Carmen Mota's ballet, offers a range of restaurants and shopping with designer boutiques and jewellery shops - do not underestimate how busy and lively this area can be.
For a more continental flavour Los Cristianos has a more authentic Spanish atmosphere within a well-established resort with two wide beaches backed by restaurants and bars. The area has a gentler pace than Playa de las Americas but there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, including a Sunday market.
Playa Paraiso and Puerto De Santiago are both low-key retreats for families and couples preferring a quiet getaway. Puerto De Santiago, a small fishing village, offers dramatic landscapes including the spectacular Los Gigantes cliffs and numerous lava formations while Playa Paraiso has beautiful ocean views. Both areas house numerous international restaurants including Spanish tapas and more traditional home flavours.
With rugged volcanic scenery Playa de la Arena is a striking resort with a bustling harbour. The beach has beautiful black sands and there is a charming old town to discover. Puerto de la Cruz is famed for the saltwater lagoons, waterfalls and rock islands at Lido Martianez, while the old town buzzes with alfresco cafes, boutiques, bars and a casino.
Away from the coastal resorts there is plenty to discover beneath the volcanic heights of Mount Teide. Many enjoy moonlight excursions to the mountain's expansive ravines, which were the backdrop for epics such as Star Wars and Planet of the Apes. The quaint mountain villages of Masca and Garachico are well worth a visit, while Loro Parque animal-park allows you to come face to face with gorillas, parrots, crocodiles and more. Alternatively, why not enjoy a catamaran cruise around the island? If you're fortunate you may catch a glimpse of a whale or see dolphins in their natural habitat. With growing diving facilities and golf courses, plus windsurfing on the south coast, you'll be spoilt for choice if you're seeking a more active holiday.
